Nigerian Pastor Killed During Church Service In Abuja
A 64-year-old Celestial Church of Christ cleric, Ven. Sup. Evang. Onaduja Oluwafemi Gbeminiyi, has reportedly died after being attacked by unidentified hoodlums at the Castle of Mercy Parish in Waru District, Abuja.
The incident happened on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, while members of the church were gathered for a mercy service that began around 9am.
According to an account shared by Celestial Reality Check (CRC-MEDIA), the attackers entered the church premises and went to the residence of the Shepherd-in-Charge, which was located within the church compound.
The assailants were said to have forcibly brought Gbeminiyi out of his apartment before engaging him in a physical struggle. The cleric, who was a retired soldier, reportedly resisted the attackers for several minutes but was eventually overpowered.
He was allegedly subjected to severe physical assault during the incident and sustained injuries. His cries for help reportedly attracted no immediate assistance, allowing the attackers to leave the area after the assault.
Other people at the scene and neighbours later found the cleric and rushed him to a hospital for medical attention. However, he was reportedly pronounced dead a few hours after arriving at the facility.
The matter was subsequently reported to the Federal Capital Territory Police Command. Authorities have begun investigating the incident in an effort to establish what led to the attack and identify those responsible for the cleric’s death.
The church’s assistant shepherd was also reportedly questioned by the police in connection with the incident and detained as investigations continued.
Following his death, Gbeminiyi’s remains were taken to Gudu Cemetery in Abuja, where he was buried on Thursday, August 20. A service of songs was also held at the church premises in his memory.
